Revealing the secret behind the deliciousness of “Mam” from Muang Phon, Khon Kaen province, which is not just a famous souvenir but is advancing as a national soft power model in food, extending into contemporary menus combined into sushi and pizza.
Khon Kaen province is pushing local wisdom onto the national stage, with Muang Phon Municipality in Phon District presenting “Mam” traditional food as a form of food soft power.
What makes Muang Phon’s Mam renowned and distinct from other areas in northeastern Thailand is its production method, a secret recipe passed down through generations. It emphasizes careful selection of ingredients and spices, with a key secret being the use of small Thai garlic cloves mixed with roasted rice made from sticky rice, roasted together with kaffir lime leaves until fragrant.
Then these are mixed thoroughly with meat and offal before stuffing into thin intestines using a special tight packing technique that leaves no air gaps. This results in a firm texture that dries quickly and develops a richer, tangier flavor if kept overnight. Most importantly, no preservatives or MSG are used, ensuring consumers can enjoy it confidently and safely according to hygiene standards.
Furthermore, the local dish is elevated to a new dimension in the food industry by inventing diverse fusion menus, including Mam sushi, Mam pizza, Mam stuffed dumplings, Mam cocktail omelet, and Mam salad.